By Dave Kempfert, PT • Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee —

Summer in Tennessee is the perfect time to get out on the water. Whether you’re cruising the lake, casting a fishing line, or participating in water sports, boating is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and stay active. Like any physical activity, it comes with its own set of challenges—especially when it comes to your musculoskeletal health. As a physical therapist, I often work with patients recovering from injuries that are directly or indirectly related to boating and water sports. With the right knowledge and preparation, many of these injuries are avoidable.

Boating Requires More Physical Demands Than You Might Think

Many people do not realize how physically demanding boating can be. Operating a boat, getting in and out of the water, in and out of the boat, managing gear, and even just balancing on a moving surface all place stress on your body—particularly the shoulders, lower back, knees, and core. Combine that with long periods of sitting or exposure to heat, and an enjoyable afternoon can take a toll on your body.

For those already managing conditions like arthritis, back pain, or previous injuries, a day on the lake without proper preparation can result in increased discomfort—or a setback in recovery.

Common Injuries We See

At Bone and Joint Institute, some of the more common boating-related issues we treat in physical therapy include:

• Low back strain from prolonged poor posture. lifting heavy gear, or repetitive twisting
• Shoulder strains and overuse injuries from activities like tubing, wakeboarding, or simply pulling yourself back into the boat
• Knee pain from frequent squatting, accidental twists, or instability on moving surfaces
• Injuries from falls and poor balance that can occur when walking on uneven terrain or wet surfaces.

These injuries can range from mild irritation to more serious strains, sprains or injury causing loss of function. The good news is, many injuries are preventable and heal quickly with some simple adjustments and exercise.

How Physical Therapy Can Help

If you have suffered an injury due to a boating or water sport injury, physical therapy can not only help get you back to doing what you love, but may also help you prevent future injuries. Some key ways physical therapy can help are as follows:

• Core strengthening to support your spine, hips and knees, allowing for a stable foundation on which to move, lift, and play.
• Flexibility training to keep your muscles and joints moving efficiently in their full range of motion
• Balance and coordination exercises to help you safely move in and out of the boat or dock, and when on uneven surfaces
• Posture and lifting techniques to reduce strain when handling equipment, lifting gear, pushing/pulling activities, or even when helping others on / off the boat

Whether you’re a weekend boater or on the water every chance you get, your physical therapist can partner with you to design a customized plan to match your activity level, age, and goals – all so you can get back to the sun and fun of summer!

Safety Starts Before You Launch

Before your next trip, take a few minutes to stretch, hydrate, and plan out any physical tasks that may require help. If you’re experiencing pain or recurring tightness after a day on the lake, do not ignore it. That small discomfort could turn into a bigger issue if left untreated.

At Bone and Joint Institute, our physical therapy team is here to help you stay strong, stay safe, and keep doing what you love.